Though the African Union has made significant achievements with gender related policies, national and regional action plans, and establishing numerous WPS networks across the continent, the progress is still gradual. The AU should start incorporating women candidates in their mediation selection processes and be decisive in appointing those women as envoys.

The African Union (AU) marks its 20th anniversary this year, marking two decades of searching for African solutions for African problems. The recent COVID-19 pandemic and continuous conflicts in some parts of the region have made the going tough. It is clear that as the African Union prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2022, it should redouble efforts to address the peace and security challenges on the continent.